The searing effect of the sun may eventually take its toll by fading, cracking
or warping your dash pad. We have a variety of solutions based on the condition
of the dash, the specific model, and your budget. Dashes may also be customized
in many of ways as part of a complete custom interior.

Replacement Dash Pads

For popular restoration models such as Corvette, Mustang, Camaro, and most of
the old Muscle Cars, premolded reproduction dash pads are available to completely
replace your old pad.

Repad and Recover Existing Dash

Reproduction replacement dash pads may not be readily available for vehicles
that are not popular restoration models. In these cases we can strip down the
existing dash, rebuild the padding and revinyl the structure. In the case of
a highly contoured dash, skillfully stitched seams may be required to shape
the vinyl to the pad.

Re-Leathering Exotic Car Dash

It is not uncommon for the sun to shrink the leather on a Ferrari or Porsche
dash. If this occurs, we can remove the dash structures, strip them down, repad
them and reskin them in new leather with the original French seam stitched
design. The fiberglass substructure can also be repaired if necessary.

Dash Redye/Repaint

If a dash pad is not cracked, but is merely faded, we can redye it to restore
its original color. We also often change the color of the dash as part of a
complete custom interior. The gauges and controls are masked off, and in some
cases the windshield is pulled to gain greater access to difficult angles.In
addition to redying the pad on older cars, we can also repaint the lower metal
fascia, steering column, and metal base structure under the pad protruding
forward toward the base of the windshield.

Spot Repairs on Dash Pads

If the dash is in good condition, except for a very small crack, puncture wound
or cigarette burn, in some cases it is possible to fill the crack and dye over
the repair.

Before

After

Molded Plastic Dash Covers

Vacuum molded ABS plastic dash covers are an economical solution to hide or prevent
cracked dashes for many models. They install over the existing dash pad with
silicone glue, require no instrument removal, and can be dyed to match. These
dash covers come standard in black, but are available from the factory precolored
in standard SEM colors. If one of the standard colors will not match, we can
custom mix and coat with the correct interior color. They are beveled around
the edges and once installed it is actually difficult to detect that there is
even a dash cover in place at all.

For models where these molded plastic covers are not available, or as
an economical way of protecting new dashes, soft dash covers are also
available. These covers are made out of either a carpet or velour textured
material which is presewn to the shape of the dash. They are available
in several colors and easily velcro into position.

In-Dash Audio/Video/Navigation Systems

The most convenient time to upgrade your system is while your car is in our
shop for other interior work. We offer a range of options: from modern audio
with classic faceplates to the latest combination satellite/CD/DVD/navigation
system with flip out flat screen display.

Integration of Gauges or Audio/Video Systems

AutoMat can custom modify the existing dash to integrate additional gauges,
audio/video or navigation equipment. We maintain a factory look with sculpted
fiberglass and foam, wrapped with a custom sewn dash skin.

Custom Fabricated Dash Boards

We can design and fabricate a custom dashboard to include your custom gauges,
switch panels, audio, video and other hardware.

Under Dash Custom Treatment

For street rods or older custom cars which have unsightly wiring below the
dash area, we can create custom upholstered panels to mount from the lower
dash to the firewall to hide the wiring and finish off the custom look of the
interior.

Rewiring Dash and Steering Column

Older cars often have dried out, corroded, chaffed wiring which creates shorts
and other electrical problems. We can solve issues like dash lights being out,
gauges not working, etc. It especially makes sense to save labor costs by addressing
these problems while the dash is already disassembled for reupholstery.

Dash Restyling Kits

A wood dash adds richness and class to the interior, while carbon fiber or
brushed aluminum add a custom race inspired look. Door panel, armrest and console
trim pieces are often also included on complete kits. A variety of materials,
colors and styles are available for most recent models. Molded dash kits are
now also available for models with contoured dash faces.

Windshield Sunscreens

This is another protective measure for your dash and a way to prevent excessive
heat build up in your interior. These screens are custom fit, high quality,
easily fold accordian style and have a silver reflective outer surface.